No bail for CPM workers even after 60 days in jail; Accused in ED attack case to approach High Court

KOCHI: The CPM workers arrested in connection with the alleged assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a raid in the monthly pay-off case are preparing to move the Kerala High Court after spending more than 60 days in jail without getting bail. Seven of the accused are gearing up to approach the High Court with the support of senior criminal lawyers. Meanwhile, the ED is preparing to oppose their bail plea by appointing the Additional Solicitor General to appear in the case.

The continued denial of bail has come as a major setback for the CPM workers, who had expected to secure bail within two weeks of their arrest. Around 24 party workers have remained in jail for more than 60 days. The Sessions Court has rejected their bail pleas twice.

The investigating agency is also considering filing a partial charge sheet to prevent the accused from getting statutory bail. If that happens, they may not be released from jail anytime soon. Former Kerala Director General of Prosecution T.A. Shaji, A.G. Gopalakrishnan Kurup, and senior criminal lawyers Vijayabhanu and S. Rajeev are among those expected to appear for the accused before the High Court.